Add transparent gradient to an image using GIMP

Let’s see how to fade an image to transparency using GIMP in three simple steps. First of all fire up the GIMP and open the image file. Now add the transparent gradient:

  • Step 1: Make a layer mask (Layer->Mask->Add Layer Mask, or right-click the layer on the Layers dialog and click Add Layer Mask). Let it to White (full opacity).
  • Step 2: Select the Blend (gradient) tool (L) in the toolbox. Foreground and background colors should be set to Black and White (the defaults) and the gradient should be FG to BG (the default).
  • Step 3: In the image window click down wherever you want your transparency to start and drag to where you want it to end, then release the mouse button.

The chekered pattern shown in the image above is the transparent gradient applied. That’s pretty much it!